#United States #mental health #Scottsdale, Arizona #LifeStance Health #Vaughn Paunovich

Vaughn Paunovich Takes Charge as CTO of LifeStance Health

LifeStance Health, one of the leading providers of mental health care in the United States, recently announced the appointment of Vaughn Paunovich as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective June 9, 2025. As the company expands its offerings, Paunovich's extensive background in healthcare technology positions him as a key player in driving digital transformation at LifeStance, which specializes in both virtual and in-person mental health services.

LifeStance has made significant progress over the years, becoming a go-to provider for mental health care among various patient demographics, which includes children, adolescents, and adults. The organization's mission is to facilitate access to affordable and personalized mental healthcare, making their recent move to appoint Paunovich as CTO a strategic decision aimed at enhancing these services further.

A Leader in Technology

Vaughn Paunovich brings with him over 25 years of experience in the healthcare technology sector. Before joining LifeStance, he served as the EVP of Enterprise Platforms at Amwell, spearheading product development and digital transformation initiatives. His previous role as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Optum Health, part of UnitedHealth Group, allowed him to refine his expertise in managing large-scale health technology systems designed to streamline patient and provider interactions.

LifeStance's CEO, Dave Bourdon, expressed confidence in Paunovich's ability to lead the company’s technology strategy. He stated, "Vaughn has a strong track record of assembling high-performing technology teams and delivering digital experiences that significantly enhance both patient and provider engagements. This approach aligns perfectly with our objectives at LifeStance."

Paunovich's role as CTO includes overseeing LifeStance's end-to-end technology strategies, ensuring that the company can deliver an unparalleled digital experience to its users. One of the goals he aims to achieve is to provide seamless access to care that resonates with the evolving needs of patients across the nation, especially as the landscape of mental health care continues to change.

Transformation in Mental Health Care

In his excitement about this new role, Paunovich stated, "I am thrilled to join LifeStance and continue the company's momentum to alter the landscape of mental health care delivery in the U.S. My focus will be on advancing our digital strategy, improving care access, and developing scalable, patient-informed technologies that support our goal of helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives."

As part of this transition, Paunovich takes the reins from his predecessor, Pablo Pantaleoni, who had a sizeable impact on LifeStance's digital transformation since he joined the company in 2020. Pantaleoni has played a crucial role in building a robust digital experience for both patients and health professionals—an effort that Paunovich is now set to enhance as he collaborates closely with him for a smooth handover.

LifeStance Health's Commitment

Founded in 2017, LifeStance has rapidly grown in the mental health care space, employing around 7,500 professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists across 33 states with over 550 centers nationwide. Their commitment to mental health is underscored by their motto of providing high-quality, accessible care to those in need, thereby ensuring individuals can find support and resources for any mental health condition they may be facing.

The appointment of Vaughn Paunovich as CTO marks a pivotal moment for LifeStance Health as it continues its journey to redefine mental healthcare, ensuring that technology plays a central role in its mission to help people achieve better mental well-being. By combining seasoned expertise with patient-centered solutions, LifeStance is set to enhance its leadership in the mental health domain.

To learn more about LifeStance Health and the services they provide, visit www.LifeStance.com.